SATURDAY December 21, 2019
Dayspring on High
“Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:78
War had brought the Romans into Israel. The Roman presence was such an unwelcomed intrusion. Under Roman rule, the Jewish nation was heavily burdened. They endured a harsh existence in a land no longer freely theirs. The Jews were forced to pay taxes which funded the Roman army who occupied them. The Romans were cruel; a person could be sentenced to death by crucifixion for their crimes.
As Zacharias concluded his prophecy, there was now a glimmer of light and hope among the dark days of oppression. The Jews would have their long awaited Messiah. He would be the Light––a Dawn in the darkness––the Dayspring to bring to His people peace.
It is important to understand that in our own lives we have a real enemy––death. We all sit in death’s shadow because of sin. People live in fear of death, knowing that each new day could be their last. Death is something we cannot control; it is an unwelcome intrusion. But who can help us?
Our Dayspring––Jesus Christ––visited us like the dawn that ends the darkness. As Mary’s child, He took upon Himself human flesh. He was able to destroy death’s hold over us when He was crucified on the Cross:
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15).
Ask Jesus to deliver you from sin and death, and you need not fear again!
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.
~Isaiah 9:2~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!